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Stormont deal could be done by end of the week

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

The focus of talks to save Stormont — and finalise a deal on the transfer of policing and justice powers — is narrowing, senior sources have disclosed.

And there are increasing indications that closure of the negotiations could be achieved by the end of this week, even if it takes longer for the detail of the agreement to be made public.

However, a senior DUP figure insisted last night his party would not be rushed. East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said a timescale was less important than securing community confidence in the move.

“It doesn't matter what the time is, it doesn't matter if it's tomorrow or in a decade — the important thing is to get the conditions.”

Sinn Fein and the DUP are in virtual ‘shut down’ mode in terms of providing information for the media.

But, for the most part, the signals emerging from Stormont Castle are positive. Signals have also been given that the other main parties — Ulster Unionists, the SDLP and Alliance — will become more involved in the talks at Stormont Castle this week, which could delay an overall conclusion.

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24 Comments

aye, which week - 22nd Jan 2025 !

then on to the next crisis, so as to avoid facing the REAL issues......

Posted by Robert Fisher | 21.01.10, 12:12 GMT

The DUP will do the right deal at the right time and for the right reasons, the party have been consistent in that throughout their history and nothing is about to change. I have a question for the TUV supporters, many of whom are decent and honourable people, "Do you really think that it is better to allow joint authority between London and Dublin than to have a government in Stormont where the unionist representatives have the last say on everything that goes ?" Maybe even better ask yourself that question and answer it honestly to yourself, Jim Allister may spout complaint but his "solution" is far far worse than what we have. I think most of you are intelligent enough to come to the right conclusion, I know it is unpallatable but it is the best we will get.

Posted by Darrell Monteith | 20.01.10, 15:49 GMT

Philip, I don't disagree with you at all that David Ford might very well do a good job as First Minister, Alliance certainly are the least religiously driven party and less religion in politics could only be a good thing for Norn. However, until he and his party up their profile by presenting a strong agenda on core issues that can win over the voting public they will remain perpetual bystanders, the ball's in their court on that one. You'll note also that I never actually said I particularly like the DUP or Sinn Fein - and I certainly didn't say any deal at any price, although it'd have to be a shabby one indeed to be worse than a collapse at Stormont that could precipitate a return to the Troubles. That doesn't change the fact that DUP and SF are the organ grinders up there on the Hill, so they're the ones who'll have to make the deal, those are just the hard facts mate. Apologies for hitting whatever raw nerve that led to you to deCapitalise me by the way! ;)

Posted by Graham Smyth | 20.01.10, 09:36 GMT

If there is a deal, will it simply be because it suits both DUP and SF for their own narrow agendas ? Has anything changed in principle - or is it just that the DUP does not want an election at this time and know that if they dont agree the deal with SF, that SF will collapse the whole thing and force a poll ? What has changed in principle since before Christmas ? As I see it, only the political backdrop has changed with scandals! I am still a sceptic as to why these powers need to be devolved at all! Nobody seems to explain why they are wanted or needed (the government discussion paper included!)

Posted by Alex | 20.01.10, 00:04 GMT

you know if we were to depend 100% on this lot to generate the tax funds to run this statelet we'd be knee deep in it. When the tories get in they will cut back funding like you won't believe. and then the english will dump NI/6 counties. Are Dublin ready to step in? I don't think so. They've done a pretty good job of avoiding all dealings with us since 1970.

Posted by gregory | 19.01.10, 23:04 GMT

Graham Smyth ,i totally agree with your assessment of jim and ciaran, they are the type whose glass is always half empty.never half full.

Posted by William | 19.01.10, 22:33 GMT

Ulysses32, you crack me up dude!!

Posted by Mr. P | 19.01.10, 20:29 GMT

I believe that if the DUP agree to the devolution of policing and justice then it will be the end of their party and their careers.Everyone, catholic and protestant have been let down by these extremist/ totalitarian parties.Both parties are doing more damage to the people who elected them into office.I dont want to bring up my children being bigots, full of hatred. I want them to be able to respect those of a different faith/culture without predjuidce and accept their differences no matter how bizarre they seem to be.Whether it be a republican/nationalist, or a protestant parade, let it happen in peace; then and only then will the whole population of "call it what you want" ever experience the true meaning of PEACE.

Posted by Darklord999 | 19.01.10, 18:08 GMT

That's the best post I've ever read on this website Mr Smyth, I take my hat off to you sir!

It always has bemused me how people that are too stupid to form their own opinion are always the most forceful at defending that opinion.

Posted by Ryan | 19.01.10, 17:26 GMT

Ok everyone, we all now know that graham smyth (he doesn't get capital letters) is smarter than us all. I disagree with the reckless attitude towards a deal that he has put forward. A deal that cuts out the other two parties in the Executive is no deal at all. The UUP and SDLP should have been involved from the start as should have Alliance since David Ford is the safest option for the job. The disfunctional nature of these negotiations is just fodder for the TUV and republican dissidents.

Posted by Philip | 19.01.10, 16:49 GMT

I'd vote for Hitler before I'd vote for Jim Allister. He's an embarassment to all.

Posted by BenjiBear | 19.01.10, 16:29 GMT

The deals already been done, it was done a day or two after teh PR/IR story broke, all this talk from the DUP is just to make it look like they are playing hard ball.

If the deal hadn't been done (and done on SF terms) stormont would have been collasped by now.

I'm amazed at how gullible some folks are.

Posted by Martin | 19.01.10, 15:42 GMT

Haveing reaad the latest rant from Ggegory Campbell ( he who hasent got a biggoted bone in his body) about the50/50 recrutment for the P.S.N.I .He should be carefull he may get his wish .With more and more catholics applying for the lucrative jobs and catholic schools acording to statistics at least equal to or maybe better than the state schools what will he call for if becomes 51/49 in favour of catholics Back to Stormount with the likes of Ggegory and the gang of 12 on the negotion team dont hold your breath

Posted by pessamist | 19.01.10, 14:57 GMT

James Doyle - are you also willing to ban the Knights of St. Columbanus?

The SF has done little to soothe tensions. Michelle Gildenrew's comment of 'that arrest would never have happened if we had policing power' in regards to Sean Hughes' arrest doesn't exactly make for friends. Having the Barbie Bomber sit on the policing board isn't exactly removing the polarizing effect the SF has with the other side. Holding street parties to celebrate police station closings are not exactly making friends.
The SF really has no one but themselves to blame for this not happening sooner as they've left little taste in the mouths of people in regards to their trust-ability.

Posted by colin | 19.01.10, 14:50 GMT

I agree with these comments I saw on another website:

Arlene Foster compares us with Scotland. In Scotland they don’t have a party like Sinn Fein P-IRA. If the DUP go for the deal, they need to get major concessions from the Provos e.g. SF P-IRA accepting a binding timetable for voluntary coalition. Otherwise, the DUP will be kicked out at the next election.

Posted by Charlie | 19.01.10, 14:34 GMT

jim and ciaran, what little fountains of positivity you two are, if Paisley and McGuiness are the Chuckle Brothers you two must be the Brothers Grim - at least P and M can crack a smile every now and again. Ironic that you both write in the same style (or lack thereof) and with the same aggressive attitude but you probably think you've got nothing in common. Wee jim (I say that on account of you not using a capital for your name), I hate to tell you but Big Jim (Allister that is, he gets a capital) was never the leader of the DUP, sorry to burst your wee bubble about that. And Ciaran, when you take off your Mystic Meg wig and put down that crystal ball you're staring into I'd recommend you go read a book on positivity, it'll do you a power of good. I for one hope they make a deal, and soon, if for no other reason than I don't think I could stand reading the comments of people like you two if you were blessed (you know you'd love it) with something else to blame the 'other side' for.

Posted by Graham Smyth | 19.01.10, 13:54 GMT

I don't know who JIM ALASTER is, jim. If you are referring to some DINOSAUR who runs some SECOND-RATE 19th century orientated unionist party, think again.
I doubt that the vast majority of unionist would back STAGNATION and ROT.
It's fun writing with capitals.

Posted by Ulysses32 | 19.01.10, 13:42 GMT